IAEA, GW Law Launch 2026 Summer School to Strengthen Global Nuclear Law Capacity

The inaugural session will be held virtually from 16–25 June 2026, bringing together global experts, aspiring legal professionals and students at a critical moment for the nuclear energy sector.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in partnership with the George Washington University (GW) Law School, is launching a groundbreaking Summer School on the International Legal Frameworks for the Safe, Secure and Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. The inaugural session will be held virtually from 16–25 June 2026, bringing together global experts, aspiring legal professionals and students at a critical moment for the nuclear energy sector.

With more countries turning to nuclear power to meet energy security, decarbonization and climate goals, demand is rapidly increasing for specialists trained in nuclear law—a field essential for the responsible deployment of nuclear technologies.

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Strengthening Legal Foundations for a Growing Nuclear Future

Nuclear energy is expanding worldwide, not only through large-scale reactors but also through emerging technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced fusion research, and space and maritime nuclear applications. This growth requires not just scientific and engineering capabilities but also robust legal frameworks that govern safety, security, safeguards, liability and emergency preparedness.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, announcing the initiative, emphasized its long-term importance:

“The quality of nuclear law education today will directly affect the quality of our nuclear legal framework in the future. By strengthening legal education now, we are investing in the infrastructure that will support nuclear energy for decades to come.”

The program expands on the IAEA’s Partnership Programme on Nuclear Law, created to provide advanced education, training and professional development to strengthen nuclear law expertise across Member States.

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A Two-Week, High-Level Legal Curriculum

The Summer School will offer an intensive, comprehensive curriculum designed to transform how students understand the legal foundations of nuclear energy.

Week 1: Core Legal Architecture

Participants will explore:

• The international nuclear governance system

• Key treaties and conventions (e.g., safety, security, safeguards, liability)

• The roles of the IAEA, national regulatory bodies and international oversight frameworks

• Legal structures supporting nuclear safety culture and emergency response

Week 2: Advanced and Emerging Issues

Sessions will examine cutting-edge legal challenges involving:

• Small modular reactors (SMRs)

• Nuclear fusion and next-generation technologies

• Space nuclear applications

• Maritime nuclear propulsion

• Financing, contracting and regulatory readiness for new-build projects

• Legal frameworks enabling private-sector participation in nuclear development

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Why Nuclear Law Matters

Nuclear law operates behind the scenes but is fundamental to enabling safe nuclear deployment. It ensures:

• Safety and radiation protection standards

• Security measures against misuse

• Non-proliferation safeguards

• Liability and insurance mechanisms

• Licensing and regulatory requirements throughout a facility’s lifecycle

Even the most advanced technology cannot be deployed without a strong legal foundation bridging international governance, national law and technical regulation.

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GW Law: A Historic Partner in Nuclear Education

GW Law brings a uniquely deep legacy to the program.

• In 1939, GW hosted the conference where Niels Bohr announced the discovery of nuclear fission, ushering in the atomic age.

• In 1954, the U.S. Atomic Energy Act transformed nuclear technology from military-exclusive to civilian use, accelerating global nuclear development.

• GW Law began teaching nuclear law in 1954–55, becoming one of the world’s first academic institutions to establish dedicated legal education in the field.

Dean Dayna Bowen Matthew celebrated the partnership:

“GW Law is proud to contribute to this essential work. From the moment nuclear fission was announced on our campus, GW has played a pivotal role in teaching nuclear law since 1954.”

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Eligibility and Certification

The Summer School is open to:

• Graduate law students from IAEA Member States

• A limited number of students from engineering, physics and related technical fields

Participants who successfully complete the rigorous program will earn a joint certificate from the IAEA and GW Law School, enhancing their credentials for careers in nuclear regulation, international organizations, government ministries and industry.

Applications will open in early 2026, with details available on the websites of both institutions.

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A Strategic Investment in Future Nuclear Governance

By launching this program, the IAEA and GW Law are investing in the next generation of nuclear legal experts who will guide policy, shape regulations and uphold international legal commitments as nuclear energy evolves.

With global interest in nuclear power surging, the Summer School aims to ensure that countries adopting nuclear technologies have the legal expertise necessary to do so safely, securely and peacefully.